The Health Care Agency (HCA) is a large and dynamic public agency, comprised of approximately 2,600 employees who are responsible for providing a wide range of services to protect and promote the health of the Orange County community.

Each year approximately 650 unpaid interns and volunteers are screened and placed in assignments throughout the Agency. Placements are highly individualized, based on a person's interest, skill level and supervision requirements. Internship and volunteer placements are available in specific areas of HCA such as:

  • Public Health Services - Monitors the incidence of disease and injury in the community and develops preventive strategies to maintain and improve the health of the public. Ensures food safety, water quality and protects the public's health and safety from harmful conditions in the environment, and from disease and nuisance hazards through the enforcement of health and safety standards.
  • Behavioral Health Services - Provides a culturally competent and client-centered system of behavioral health services for all eligible county residents in need of mental health care and/or treatment for alcohol and other drug abuse.
  • Medical Health Services - Coordinates emergency medical care, provides medical and behavioral health care to adults and children in institutional settings, and contracts essential medical services for patients for whom the County is responsible.
  • Financial & Administrative Services - Promotes and provides for the fiscal and operational integrity of the Agency through sound management principles and practices, and provides support services to Agency programs.

    Before You Apply

    Services within the Agency are primarily delivered 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Clientele reflect the ethnic and cultural composition of various communities in which services are located. Bilingual Spanish, Vietnamese and Cambodian assistance is highly desirable.

    Depending on the assignment, you may need the following:

    • Fingerprints and records check
    • TB skin or chest X-ray testing
    • Measles, mumps and rubella vaccination
    • Tetanus-diphtheria booster
    • Hepatitis B vaccination
    • Complete and return the required application materials.

    Although internships with the County of Orange are unpaid positions, they do provide an excellent experience in a professional setting for students and recent graduates.

    Application Procedures

    Some opportunities are listed on https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oc. Many of our placements are reoccurring annually and applicants can submit resume and details of placement via email volunteerservices@ochca.com. Universities will be expected to enter into an agreement with the Health Care Agency for placements & internships. If agreement is not in place, Volunteer Services can assist with the process. Please send email for assistance.

    For Additional Information

    Orange County Health Care Agency
    Shelly M. Lummus
    Volunteer Services
    405 W. Fifth Street, Suite 743
    Santa Ana, CA 92701
    (714) 834-6620

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The County of Orange does have limited paid positions. Unfortunately, the Health Care Agency internships are unpaid; however, most students view the experience as invaluable in respect to personal and profession growth.

    Internship related to most academic programs are offered through the County of Orange. Students are encouraged to check https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oc or Volunteer & Internships sites for opportunities. If there are no posted positions related to your academic and/or career goals or fields of interest, please feel free to contact volunteerservices@ochca.com or call (714) 834-6620.